Colin Tizzard says he's delighted to have received an influx of quality horses after adding 15 of Colm Murphy's charges to his yard.
Murphy announced his retirement last week and leading owners Alan and Ann Potts have wasted little time in transferring their 15 horses from Ireland to Tizzard's base in Dorset.
Tizzard can not believe his luck to have been given some top quality horses, including Sizing Granite, winner of the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree last year, Bally Longford and Viconte Du Noyer.
The new arrivals have boosted the number of horses at Tizzard's yard to 85 and he is confident of enjoying an excellent season as he looks to build upon the success of Thistlecrack and Cue Card last term.
“The phone call came out of the blue at Friday dinnertime and it was one of the best I've ever had in racing,” Tizzard told the Racing Post. “Alan said Colm was retiring and would I like to train them? Obviously I said yes.
“They're lovely looking horses and hopefully we'll have some fun with Alan and Ann. We've shuffled a few around and got them into the yard, where we've now got 85.
“I've met Alan and Ann a few times. At Cheltenham in March we sat talking about horses in the owners' and trainers' marquee. To have the patronage of another big owner is fantastic.”
